Cars and Accessories

BMW 6-SERIES COUPE TO DEBUT IN SHANGHAI

2011-02-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.bmw.co.uk/images/bmwuk/mid_images/1_2008_09_10_15_12_10_6_coupe_1.jpg

By Drew Johnson

Most automakers tend to unveil hardtop models before their convertible counterparts, but BMW is shaking things up a bit with its new 6-Series. The German automaker pulled the sheet on its 6-Series convertible at January’s Detroit Auto Show, but the car’s hard-top variant won’t make its public debut until April’s Shanghai Auto Show.

Although we have yet to see any official photos of the new 6-Series coupe, it seems safe to assume it will closely follow the design of the recently unveiled convertible. The 6-Series’ coupe variant was also previewed by the Concept 6-Series Coupe.

The 6-Series coupe will likely arrive in base form as the 640i. Like the 640i convertible, the 640i coupe will be powered by a 320 horsepower version of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder. BMW’s 407 horsepower 4.4L V8 will also be available in the 650i coupe.

The 6-Series coupe and convertible should be on dealer lots by spring. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect a slight premium over the current car.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-bmw-6-series-coupe-to-debut-in-shanghai.html

The Honda Fit EV Concept

2011-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Fit EV Concept
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/fit-ev/fitconcept_02.jpg

Honda is proud to announce the world debut of the Fit EV Concept. This advanced electric vehicle is designed to meet the daily driving needs of an average commuter, utilizing the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. The Fit EV Concept is propelled by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle and features a 3-mode drive system adapted from the CR-Z sport hybrid. A pocket-friendly interactive remote can link to the vehicle without the need for an Internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through this remote, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle's state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, reducing the drain on battery at start-up. An application for smartphones and a website for personal computers offer the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates and provide 24-hour roadside assistance along with a public charging locator. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet and less than six hours when employing a 240-volt outlet. The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100 miles driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 City cycle (70 miles when applying EPA's adjustment factor), well more than the average number of miles driven daily by most commuters. The Fit EV is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2012. Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates to receive all the latest news regarding this exciting vehicle.

Ref. http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/

The Honda Civic Si Concept

2011-01-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

Civic Si Concept coupe

(http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/2012-civic/civic_01.jpg)

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and the Civic Concept sedan made their world debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Concept vehicles offered an intriguing preview of the styling direction of the new, ninth-generation Civic.

Civic Concept sedan
(http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/2012-civic/civic_07.jpg)

This spring, the all-new Civic model range will arrive with unprecedented diversity, including conventional sedan and coupe models, sporty "Si" performance versions, as well as hybrid and natural-gas variants. The new Civic hybrid will feature a lithium ion battery cell, the first ever for a Honda hybrid. In another first for Honda, the Eco-Assist™[1] system will be available in most upcoming Civic models. Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model.

Altogether, the new Civic promises to continue its tradition of user-friendliness, sporty performance and excellent fuel economy, offering an unprecedented level of variety with the widest array of powertrain choices in its class.

[1] Eco Assist is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and may not be used or reproduced without prior written approval.

Ref. http://automobiles.honda.com/2012-civic/

The First Generation to Present Mustang

2010-12-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

The first generation Mustang was introduced to the public in 1964 at the New York World Fair. The Mustang when introduced in 1964 shared a number of its characteristics with the Ford Falcon. The Mustang was launched as a coupe or as a convertible. It was 181.6 inches long. The Mustang derived its power from a wide choice of engines. The engines were a 2.8-liter OHV; a 3.3-liter OHV; a 4.3-liter OHV V8; a 4.7-liter V8; a four-barrel 289 engine and at the last a four-barrel 289. In 1999 the Eighth generation Mustang made its debut. Changes were made to the Mustangs 3.8-liter V6 engine and its 4.6-liter V8 engine.

Mercedes students create B55 using big V8 and little B-Class

2010-12-22T01:26:00.000-08:00

After the nuclear apocalypse wipes out all of civilization, there will still be cockroaches wedging huge engines into tiny cars. You just can't kill the oldest recipe in hot rodding history, and for good reason. As a handful of trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt just found out, the big engine, small car combo is the easiest way to mint cheap speed. Plant manager Peter Wesp got the idea to squeeze a 5.5-liter 385 horsepower V8 from the likes of the big E550 into the Silver Arrow's trim B-Class.
After finding a B200 CDI that had been sacrificed to training, Wesp and his team set about the mechanical contortions necessary to pull off the swap. Surprisingly enough, the workers were able to use the original engine mounts, and with a little parts-bin raiding, everything was sitting pretty under the hood. The team snugged in a rear axle from a W 2010 E-Class, front brakes lifted from a C32 AMG and bolted on snazzy 18-inch wheels from AMG as well. How's that for perfection? Hit the jump for the full press blast.
More...http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/mercedes-b55-big-v8-b-class/

Lotus Esprit Concept @2010 Paris Auto Show

2010-12-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Lotus Esprit Concept

Lotus is ready to make a big impact at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It brought five concept vehicles to the show (more on the other four in short order), and one in particular has us salivating. Lotus plans to revive the much-loved Esprit for the 2013 model year. Before we see a production version of that car, the automaker is showcasing its Lotus Esprit Concept.
Taking cues from the old Esprit, the Esprit Concept plunks its engine amidship, though instead of honoring the turbocharged four-cylinders that powered the originals, the concept makes do with a meaty supercharged 5.0-liter V8. That V8 will look familiar to fans of the Lexus IS-F. The two-seater will produce 620 horsepower, accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and then blast onward to a 205-mile-per-hour top speed. The plan is to bring the production version to market in the spring of 2013 with a price tag around $175,000.
In addition to the massive, and massively exciting ,V8 power, the Lotus Esprit will also be offered with KERS as an option. KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a system used by Formula 1 cars to recover heat energy generated during braking. The energy is stored until the driver wants a powerful boost and with a push of a button propels the car with more force than two bottles of NOS... the big ones.
Stay tuned as we'll update this post with more official images as well as live shots from the show floor soon.
More...http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-esprit-concept-previews-upcoming-revival-of-a/

Google's new robot car: Crazy good or crazy crazy?

2010-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Google's new robot car: Crazy good or crazy crazy?

There is something charming about engineers who decide they will alter the world. Just because they can.

So Google's announcement that it has already been testing cars that drive themselves should be met by warm feelings in many of one's more imaginative nerve-endings.

As I grasp this vastly ambitious project, Google is intending that these cars, manned as they are by vast arrays of excellent soft- and hardware, will avoid crashes and allow for fuel savings and more cars on the road (as, deductive reasoning goes, there will be no crashes). They will also allow drivers to get drunk to skunk levels, given that no self-respecting Google car would actually let the drivers take the wheel, even when they're sober.

While several parts of me want to emit songs from the works of the finest gospel authors, there are other parts that yield a B-flat of discomfort.

Read more

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20019139-71.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1n#ixzz12jdi2HQM

Honda shows new minivan concept in Chicago

2010-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Odyssey concept presages the 2011 production version coming out in the fall. (Credit: Honda)

Not prone to building outlandish or highly speculative concepts, Honda showed off a very mundane concept version of its upcoming new Odyssey minivan at the Chicago Auto Show. The real thing is coming out this fall, so the concept is fairly close to production trim.

Honda notes that the new Odyssey will be lower and wider than the current version, improving aerodynamics and fuel economy. Some versions of the car will get 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, according to Honda. But it sounds like the powerplant options will remain unchanged, as Honda says the current i-VTEC V-6, with cylinder deactivation technology, will still be available.

more..

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10450909-48.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Crave

Maybach Exelero

2009-03-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

We believed only P.Diddy could offered the 2005 Maybach Exelero Concept, but evidently some franchise in Austria had one built on order but ne'er sold it. Well now they're trying to distribute the car and are inviting 5,000,000 Euros ($7,848,492). V12 bi-turbo from Maybach 57 S 690-hp with a peak torque of 737 ft-lb. 0-62mph in 4.4 secs with a top speed of 218mph.

Download : Maybach Exelero

Dacia Duster Concept

2009-03-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

Renault's low-priced Romanian brand, Dacia, will be bringing out its very first concept at the Geneva Motor Show this calendar week. Called the Duster, the concept boasts a crossover-style consistence with some very concerning titling components like headlamps that trail off crossed the front buffers and rear tail-lights that adulterate advancing across a arc-boutant of sheetmetal above the rear bicycles. Kudos to Renault architects in Romania and France for authorship such an concerning shape. Arrested within is an evenly useful interior with a neat modular trick: The front passenger seat chutes underneath the driver's seat on fulminates, making adequate room to carry a all-terrain bike inside the car instead of on top of it.

Download : Dacia Duster Concept

The First Generation to Present Mustang

2008-11-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Review: 2008 BMW 128i Convertible

2008-09-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

Credit: CNET Networks)

Except for its price, the 2008 BMW 128i Convertible may be the least BMW-like car from the automaker. Oh, it does have all the cutting-edge tech found in BMW's other models, including a pop-up LCD that is surprisingly immune to glare. But where its turbo-charged brother, the 135i, feels glued to the road, the 128i Convertible's wheels seem to stretch away from the car in the corners. And where the 135i leaps forward with smooth and hard acceleration, the 128i Convertible's power delivery feels uneven.

Read the review.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Honda to revive the Insight as a Prius-fighter

2008-09-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

The Insight Concept represent's Honda's next attempt to dethrone the Toyota Prius.
(Credit: Honda)

Honda introduced the first gas-electric hybrid for purchase with the Insight in 1999, then came Toyota's Prius and everyone forgot about Honda's little hybrid that could. We all knew that Honda was working on a larger Prius-fighting, dedicated hybrid vehicle, but Honda has denied that they'd be reviving the Insight moniker for this new vehicle. On Thursday, Honda released the first official information and images of their Prius-killer concept and it's called, you guessed it, the Insight.
The Insight Concept carries over the styling cues of Honda's fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. It looks to us that Honda has been taking lessons from the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" school of thought, as the five-door, five-passenger hatchback configuration of the Insight is the same as that of the Prius. Squint your eyes and you'll see that the proportions from the a-pillar back are decidedly Prius-like. It's almost as though someone slapped the nose of the FCX Clarity onto Toyota's hybrid and called it a day.
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Mazda developing Volt competitor

2008-09-07T01:13:00.000-07:00

(Credit: Mazda USA)

Chevrolet's Volt hasn't even been released yet and other automakers are already hard at work developing their Volt killers. Sources at Autocar say that Mazda engineers have developed a working Mazda5-based electric vehicle prototype. The prototype is said to use a rotary engine to charge a battery pack that powers an electric motor driving the wheels.
Essentially, the only thing that's keeping Mazda from putting the system into production is the high cost of batteries. Meanwhile, Mazda is said to be concentrating on more conventional green tech, such as engine start-stop technology
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Titan Exhaust Air Jack lifts car by inflating

2008-09-07T01:09:00.000-07:00

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Where was this when my tire blew out on me (which fortunately happened in a quiet neighborhood)? Unfortunately, being a quiet neighborhood, help wasn't too forthcoming. So while twiddling my thumbs for more than an hour waiting for the mechanic to arrive, I had plenty of time to contemplate the folly of the mini-jack, which looks more like a weapon of mass destruction to the less mechanically inclined and isn't at all kind to manicured nails.

So bless Chandler Products for the Titan Exhaust Air Jack, which is dead-simple to use. You just need to connect the hose to your car's exhaust pipe, and this will inflate quickly to lift your vehicle up to 30 inches above ground.

It's available in three sizes, will stay safely inflated for a maximum of 45 minutes, and will deflate in less than 5 seconds. Too bad the sticker price is just as inflated, and starts pumping from $120.

(Via Crave Asia)

Crave.com

Vote, and maybe win an Xbox

2008-09-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

Seems like everyone is into the spirit of democracy these days.

Peugeot is soliciting your vote for its 2008 Design Contest. This year's challenge is for a vehicle that complements environmental and population concerns in the megalopolis of tomorrow.

Thierry Dumaine of France entered the Facile, a concept car with two removable mono-wheel mopeds.

(Credit: Peugeot/Thierry Dumaine)

The French-based car company released a list of 29 finalists, which can be voted on through September 15. You can vote anonymously, or vote giving your personal info for a chance to win an Xbox 360. Keep in mind that only those who vote for the winning concept car will be eligible to win one of 20 Xbox 360 consoles Peugeot plans to give away.

The designer of the winning concept car gets a cash prize, VIP passage to some of this season's auto shows, an Xbox 360, and a small scale model of their car.

We put together some highlights from this year's finalists, who come from all over the world, including Iran. Check out our gallery of the car designs modern and chic enough for Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Crave.com

Ford offers glass roof Mustangs

2008-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Posted by Candace Lombardi

Here's some bright news to go with your daily dose of bad these days.

It may sound like sacrilege, but owners of new Ford Mustangs may actually have a chance to look cooler than Steve McQueen while driving.

The $1,995 factory-installed panoramic glass-roof option that Ford announced last December is now available on its 2009 V-6 and GT models, the company announced Wednesday.

From the photos, this really looks like more than just your typical moonroof.
Not only will the glass roof look cool, it might also help you stay cool. Ford claims that the specially tinted glass actually "reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioning system by 20 percent."

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

Crave.com

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF

2008-08-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Posted by Wayne Cunningham

On first getting into the 2009 Jaguar XF, the car seems like the ultimate in automotive tech. A red backlight on the engine start button pulses with a heartbeat cadence. Push it, and panels over the air vents open up while the shift dial rises from the console. That's right, a shift dial. Recognizing that most automatic transmissions are electronically controlled, the XF does away with a big legacy shifter, opting for a big dial that you turn to the different drive modes. The touch-screen interface uses a nicely designed set of menus, reminiscent of the LCARS computer interface from Star Trek.

But there are a few signs that Jaguar isn't quite ready for this tech future. The touch-screen interface is slow, taking a few moments between the time you touch a button and the resultant action. The information architecture is also poor, with too many actions required to access the iPod integration screen, for example. It's too bad Jaguar isn't still a Ford property, as the XF could really benefit from Ford Sync. Driving tech is better, though, as the XF can be had with a blind spot warning system and adaptive cruise control, not to mention the excellent audio produced by the Bowers and Wilkins stereo system.

Read the review.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Nissan announces G37 convertible, sedan

2008-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Posted by Antuan Goodwin

Infiniti announced some new additions to its G lineup this Wednesday. The 2009 G37 Convertible will be based on the current G37 Coupe and will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. Infiniti also states that it will be upgrading the audio and HVAC systems to compensate for this new exposure to the elements, but did not supply details as to how.

Infiniti's 330 horsepower, 3.7 liter V6 would be also be transforming the G35 sedan into a meaner G37 sport sedan. Joining the G37 coupe and convertible, all models will receive as options Infiniti's new 7-speed automatic transmission, offering downshift rev-matching. The ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system will also be an option in G37x sedan and coupe trim.

Regardless of configuration all new Gs will get Infiniti's self healing paint as a standard feature. The Infiniti G37 convertible will debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, while the sedan will be introduced mid-2009.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

2009 VW Golf details, new tech revealed

2008-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

2009 VW Golf details, new tech revealed
Posted by Antuan Goodwin

After having images of the 2009 Golf Mk VI leak to the Net ahead of the official Wednesday reveal, Volkswagen has gone ahead and released the details surrounding the new Golf, which will launch in Europe in October.

Among the details outlined in the press release are side mirrors that are aerodynamically designed to get less dirty and reduce wind noise; but we're not interested in side mirrors. We want the tech!

Firstly, VW has replaced its conventional automatic option with its dual-clutched DSG transmission in all but the most basic trim levels. The DSG will be either a 6- or 7-speed unit, depending on the engine with which it's paired. Altogether removing the conventional automatic from the better equipped Golf models is a bold move by VW, but I think it's a good one.

As expected, VW has lowered fuel consumption (by up to 28 percent) using a lineup of new turbocharged and/or supercharged diesel (DSI) and gasoline (TSI) engines. According to VW, in its thriftiest DSI/DSG trim, the new Golf will get up to 52 mpg. That puts the 2009 Golf into hybrid territory, but isn't surprising based on what we've seen in the Jetta TDI.

Volkswagen also announced new tech for the 2009 Golf in the form of safety features. Automatic distance control, adaptive chassis control, and park steering assist sound like options for a much higher-end vehicle than the entry-level Golf. In fact, they are features that trickled down to the Golf from the up-market Passat CC. Rounding out the safety tech features are a new stability control system, seven airbags (including a knee airbag) and special head restraint that snaps forward during an accident to prevent whiplash.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

The sporty commuter

2008-07-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

What gets 35 miles per gallon and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds? You might suggest a motorcycle, but you would only be 66 percent right.

BRP's Can-Am Spyder uses three wheels, two in front and one in back. The Spyder isn't exactly a motorcycle, a trike, or a three-wheeled car. BRP suggests calling it a roadster, but that designation is a stretch as well.

We got our first chance to ride the Spyder this week, when BRP brought a few of them to our offices.

The Spyder turns like a car but drives like a motorcycle.(Credit: CNET)

The learning curve was fairly quick--the BRP representative explained the controls, then we shot off down the street. Actually, we were only going about 20 mph, but it felt fast, as we're used to looking at the world through a wide expanse of safety glass.

A BRP representative gives me instructions on driving the Spyder.(Credit: CNET Networks)

Within the hour, though, we were speeding along at 45 mph with no fear. The Spyder uses a traditional motorcycle-style gear shift, down by your left foot, and a clutch lever over the left hand grip. Similarly, the throttle is on the right hand grip. But you activate the brakes on all three wheels with a pedal at your right foot. And unlike most motorcycles, the Spyder has a reverse gear.

The fact that it has three wheels makes parking particularly easy, as there is no kickstand to worry about. But you can't lane-split, like you can with a motorcycle.

The steering dynamics are also more car-like, as you have to turn the handlebars instead of leaning, as you would on a motorcycle.

The Spyder has handlebars similar to a motorcycle.(Credit: CNET Networks)

The Spyder offers a variety of car-like safety gear, as well. It uses an anti-lock braking system, along with traction and stability control. Sensors detect when either the rear drive wheel is slipping, or when one of the front wheels leaves the ground. In the former case, the Spyder retards the engine spark, slowing down the big belt that transmits power to the rear wheel.
For stability control, the Spyder retards the engine spark, but also applies light braking to the front wheel that's still on the ground.

This safety tech makes the Spyder practical for every day driving. During our relatively short drive time, we tried out the brakes and found them well-tuned. They weren't grabby and we could stop the Spyder quickly, with no loss of control.

Steering felt a little awkward, as we had to stretch our arms far out for tight turns. The Spyder accelerates quickly, in keeping with BRP's claim of 4.5 seconds to 60 mph. With a 990cc Rotax V-twin engine, the Spyder is legal on all roads. And in a number of states, including California, you don't need a motorcycle license to drive the Spyder. But you do need a helmet, and gloves; and a good motorcycle jacket is a good idea, too.

The Spyder offers some storage space under the front hood, suitable for a laptop, suit jacket, and any other work necessities. BRP claims 35 mpg with the Spyder under normal driving conditions. With its 6.6 gallons, it should have a range of about 230 miles.

CNET Editor Brian Cooley comes buzzing up the alley.(Credit: CNET Networks)

One thing we noticed while driving the Spyder was that it attracts a lot of attention. The unique styling had people coming over to where we parked, wanting to ask questions about it. Cars would match our speed so they could look over the Spyder as we rode along.
The Can-Am Spyder is available through outlets selling recreational vehicles, such as Sea-Doos and ATVs. The base price is $15,500.

Check out our photos of the BRP Can-Am Spyder.
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Assystem shows off its vision of the City Car

2008-03-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

One of the more inventive concept vehicles on display at this year's Geneva auto show is the City Car from the unfortunately named Assystem, which touts the project as a way of exploring "different thought strategies on the future of the city car." The most obvious of these strategies from the outside is the layout of the car's wheels in a diamond formation--a principle that has been patented by Franco Sbarro, Assystem's partner on the project. The car's doors open upward in gullwing-style, not just to show that it is a concept car, but to allow the greatest access with the minimum footprint area.(Credit: CNET Networks)
It is inside, however, that the City Car really gets our attention. In place of a windshield, the City Car has an LCD display, which can apparently be rendered transparent for regular driving (we're not sure how) or turned into a monitor showing camera footage of the road ahead in difficult driving conditions or at night. To help with night driving, the City Car also has an infrared camera. In the latter mode, the system relies on four external cameras that reproduce real-time imagery of the road, onto which is then projected information on key road markers and obstacles, such as traffic lights and pedestrians. According to its designers, the screen can also be connected to the City Car's onboard GPS navigation system to give drivers an "augmented reality" view of the road ahead, complete with turn arrows projected onto real objects.
Assystem also suggests that the City Car can identify specific road signs such as those for speed limits and one-way streets, and give a warning notice if the driver's behavior is contravening them. To complete the futuristic vision, the City Car's designers envisage an iris-recognition system for turning the vehicle on and for detecting when the driver becomes tired. If all this sounds too good to be true, it very probably is--when we first asked for a demonstration of the system, the Assystem rep was having trouble even turning the screen on. Not quite ready for prime time, but an interesting view of the future all the same.
Click here for our coverage of the 2008 Geneva auto show.

Kevin Massy, Crave.com

In photos: '2008 Renault R28 Formula One car launch'

2008-02-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

By M&C News Jan 31, 2008, 22:28 GMT

Undated handout made available by Renault on 31 January 2008 of the 2008 Renault R28 Formula One car that has its launch in Paris, 31 January 2008. EPA/Bernard Assset for ING Renault F1 Team [...]

Biking the Web with Yamaha.

2007-10-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

If the robust HyperBike is the bicycle equivalent of a Hummer, then the high-tech Yamaha Bobby is the BMW one.

Yamaha Bobby concept bike connects to the Internet.(Credit: Yamaha)

The Bobby prototype from Yamaha Motor is an electric bicycle that lets riders connect to the Internet. Ubergizmo pointed out that the bike can also be turned on and off from select cell phones.
Bobby is one of 19 concept bikes Yamaha Motor plans to show at the 2007 Tokyo auto show. The Bobby is part of Yamaha's "Art of Engineering" theme for this year's show, according to Yamaha.
Yamaha Motor also seems to be partnering to build a motorcycle engine for a Toyota, according to earlier reports.

Crave.Com

Photos: 2008 Infiniti EX35

2007-09-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to view the full gallery.
(Credit: CNET Networks)

Japanese car makers continue to keep us in work here at CNET car tech. Just when you thought that today's models had as much gadgetry onboard as possible, along comes Infiniti with its 2008 EX35, a model that introduces two brand new car technology features. The EX35 is the first production car to come with Around View Monitor, a camera-based parking aid that gives drivers a top-down surround view of the car and any obstacles in its vicinity. It is also the first car in the United States to come with a nonemergency active safety feature in the form of its Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, which builds on the Lane Depature Warning (LDW) of earlier Infiniti models by using a combination of cameras and ABS inputs to keep drivers in their lane on the freeway. The EX35 also comes with a barrage of entertainment tech and a paint job that apparently heals itself from scratches. Oh, and it packs some pretty peppy performance credentials, too. Check out our photos of the crossover space-age tech mobile here.

Read more ...

The Cadillac of golf carts, literally

2007-09-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

(Credit: SkyMall)

Let's say you want to impress your golfing buddies but are afraid of accidentally doing bodily harm to them with a mini-Hummer. There's another way to state your machismo, with the "Berline Cadillac Escalade Golf Cart."

It's actually a little cheaper than the Hummer too--if $13,995 can be called cheap at any juncture, that is, for a golf cart. That buys you "a hand-laid fiberglass body, marine-grade vinyl seats, custom paint and chrome mirrors," according to Uncrate, though a custom hard top will cost more.

The Escalade cart is electric despite its SUV appearance, so it's a fair compromise without going the full solar-powered route. And you won't make a complete fool of yourself tooling around in one, as long as you stay on the golf course.

Start-up promises to slash the costs of plug-in hybrids

2007-09-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

EnerDel says it will come out with a lithium-ion battery for plug-in hybrids that will cost $1,500, a development that could go a long way to making these cars palatable in terms of price.
The Indianapolis-based company, which recently received a $6.5 million grant from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), hopes to deliver the battery to car manufacturers for their 2010 lineups, according to Charles Gassenheimer, vice chairman of the company. The 2010 model cars will start coming out in September 2009, he said.

By then, there will probably be 65 hybrid cars on the market, he estimated. Right now, there are 15, he said. No major manufacturers currently make plug-in hybrids. Plug-ins have larger batteries than conventional hybrids, can be charged through a socket and get better gas mileage. However, they cost a lot at the moment. Converting a hybrid to a plug-in costs about $15,000, money that even plug-in hybrid proponents admit is nearly impossible to make up for with better fuel economy.

"You're not going to spend thousands of dollars to save $600 to $700 at the pump a year,"
Gassenheimer said. "Until you make this a positive return on investment, you won't see these (plug-ins) at 50 to 80 percent penetration."

EnerDel will mostly aim at selling batteries to manufacturers to incorporate into cars coming off the line and not aftermarket modifiers.

How much cheaper will an EnerDel-energized plug-in hybrid be compared to a regular one? It's hard ... (Read more)

2007 Frankfurt auto show: Day three roundup

2007-09-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Porsche 911 GT2 is one of the new models on display at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show
(Credit: CNET Networks)

The 2007 Frankfurt auto show officially opens to the public on Saturday, but we've been getting a preview of the automotive delights on display for the past couple of days. CNET Car Tech Senior Editor Wayne Cunningham has been busy scouring the show floor to bring you a whole slew of picture galleries. His roundup of the show's speed kings includes close-ups of the V-8 BMW M3, the Porsche 911 GT2, and the Mercedes C63.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt is showing off its fair share of concept cars, including the futuristic Nissan Mixim and the Porsche Cayenne hybrid. Among the new models on show, BMW's 1-Series sedan and updated 6-Series coupe have been real crowd-pleasers, as has the production version of Volkswagen's Tiguan crossover. As ever, you can check out all the coverage from the show on our new, dedicated Car Tech blog. [...]

2007 Frankfurt auto show: Day two roundup

2007-09-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mercedes' F700 is being used to demonstrate prototype cabin technology at Frankfurt
(Credit: CNET Networks)

The new models and concept cars just keep on coming at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. One notable trend at this year's event is the willingness of luxury German automakers to finally embrace hybrid technology, with Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes all either announcing production hybrids or showing off advanced hybrid concepts. Meanwhile, the 2009 Jaguar XF shows that concept technology can make it off the auto show floor, as the latest Big Cat retains its futuristic shifter for production. On the subject of cabin gadgetry, automotive equipment manufacturer Siemens VDO showed off its next-generation in-car touch screen technology, among other things, while Mercedes used its F700 research vehicle to demonstrate a prototype of a new version of its COMAND interface. All this plus a badass million-dollar Lamborghini, a look at the clean diesel-hybrid vehicles of the future, and tons more from the show can be found over on our new Car Tech blog, right here. [...]

Read more ...
Kevin Massy. CRAVE

Microsoft alum shows his ethanol race car

2007-09-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

DAVIS, Calif.--Reporters who covered software in the '90s will remember Karl Jacob. Microsoft bought his company, Dimension X, in 1997. He was chatty. Occasionally, some reporters referred to him as "sources close to the company."

After leaving the big M, he went off to Keen, Benchmark Capital and a few other things. And now, he's the world record holder of the standing mile speed record.

This Viper runs on ethanol.
(Credit: Michael Kanellos/CNET News.com)

In July, Jacob cranked up his modified Dodge Viper from a standstill to finishing a mile in 27.41 seconds. He hit 220.7 miles an hour during the sprint, a record. The old top speed for the standing mile was just under 218 miles an hour. He did eight runs on the day.

Jacob didn't drive the car on the record run. Instead, it was driven by Ron Misjak of Super Viper, which modified the car. In any event, Jacob did pay for it, has driven the car and says it's a kick. That puts him ahead of Alcibiades, who won a first in chariot racing at the ancient Olympics without getting behind the reins. (It was a common practice among the nobles.)

We spoke at the green car pavilion at the GoingGreen conference in Davis. Karl and Ian Wright of Wrightspeed showed off their performance cars. Others were showing off low-speed electric vehicles.

Jacob and a team of mechanics had to tinker quite a bit with the Viper. [...]

Photos: Frankfurt auto show

2007-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Behold the four-cylinder VW Tiguan.
(Credit: Volkswagen)

The summer driving season has come and gone--just in time for us to give our undivided attention to the Frankfurt auto show.
On the home turf of BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, the 62nd International Motor Show is playing host this week to carmakers from around the world. They've promised to bring scads of new rides, from the green to the lean to the turbocharged driving machine.
Consider these, for starters: Ferrari's 430 Scuderia has classic sports car lines, Nissan's Mixim packs a pair of electric motors, Volvo's ReCharge is a plug-in hybrid and Ford is trotting out names like Econetic and Kugo.
To see those models and more, click here: "Photos: Cleaning up at the Frankfurt Auto Show."

To see CNET Car Tech's coverage from the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, click here. [...]

Read more ...
Crave staff. CRAVE

Google offers $10 million to 'sustainable transportation' firms

2007-09-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Google is earmarking more greenbacks to make cars greener.

The nonprofit arm of the Web search giant, Google.org, on Wednesday issued a $10 million request for proposal from companies involved in commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other forms of sustainable transportation.

The RFP process--to be done entirely online--is meant to accelerate development of cleaner forms of transportation at a large scale in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Google.org.

Google intends to invest between $500,000 and $2 million in companies that are approved and will not take up position on those firms' boards.

Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page plug their wheels into the grid.

(Credit: Google)

t is looking for "for-profit companies whose innovative approach, team and technologies will enable widespread commercialization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles and/or vehicle-to-grid solutions," according to the RFP.

Submissions can be anything from battery technologies to services that encourage plug-in hybrids. The proposals will be reviewed by Google employees and experts in the field.

In June of this year, Google launched RechargeIT, a program to convert company cars to plug-in hybrids, which can be recharged and potentially feed power back into the electricity grid during times of high demand. The company has also installed a large 1.6-megawatt solar array and dedicated $1 million to nonprofit groups working to address global warming.

"While $10 million is a fraction of the total investment needed to transform our transportation sector, we hope this RFP will [...]

World's first gullwing Ferrari limo

2007-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

(Credit: Limousine and Chauffeur Show)

Decades ago, seeing a Ferrari on the street was as common as spotting a Blue-Footed Booby in Golden Gate Park. That's hardly the case anymore, in this Age of Wretched Excess. But it's still possible to make a statement with the storied automobile--namely, in the form of a stretch limo.

The vehicle pictured here is no prom-night special--it's the world's first gullwing Ferrari limo," according to organizers of the annual European Limousine and Chauffeur Show in England this month. Gizmag says the black Ferrari 360 Modena is also the fastest limo in the world, which we don't doubt for a nano-second: Despite having a 23-foot-long body, it goes from zero to 60 in less than 6 seconds and tops out at 170 mph.

The custom-built stretch Ferrari, commissioned by Style Limousines of Manchester for nearly $400,000 in modifications, skips the usual mini-bars in favor of 9-foot gullwing doors. Because what good is a Ferrari limo without a grand exit? [...]

Read more ...
Mike Yamamoto. CRAVE

2007 Frankfurt auto show: day one round-up

2007-09-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Volkswagen up! debuted today in Frankfurt
(Credit: CNET Networks)

We've been trawling the floor on the first day of the Frankfurt auto show, and there have been plenty of new model launches and concept car unveilings to keep us busy. Mercedes Benz delivered on its promise to take the wraps off a fleet of new cars, including hybrid versions of its C300 wagon and its ML450 SUV, as well as its F700 research vehicle. Volkswagen and BMW also took advantage of being on their home turf, with the latter unveiling its partnership with Google for a local-search-enabled in-dash navigation system, and VW showing off its up! concept, an ultra-compact rear-engined mini-Golf with removable seats. Meanwhile, Fiat's own microcar, the 500, turned out not to be so micro in the flesh.

On the hybrid front, GM showed off its E-Flex-powered Opel Flextreme concept complete with built-in Segways, while Honda displayed a sport-tuned version of its Civic Hybrid that had earned its stripes racing in the 2007 Nurburgring race. Check out our continuing coverage of the show on the new CNET Car Tech blog, here. [...]

Read more ...
Kevin Massy. CRAVE

GM goes electric in Frankfurt

2007-09-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

The future of electric propulsion...
(Credit: CNET Networks)

We're not convinced about the wisdom of this one. GM is using this week's Frankfurt auto show to reiterate its commitment to alternative fuel cars with the unveiling of the Opel Flextreme, a concept plug-in car that builds on the buzz of the E-Flex drive train from the Chevy Volt. The car itself relies on a series hybrid drive train, which combines a lithium-ion powered-electric motor with a biodiesel combustion engine that is used solely for running the electric motor when the battery's charge runs out.

...or the past?
(Credit: CNET Networks)

However, as blue-sky as the vehicle's power train may be (lithium-ion batteries have a long way to go before they're ready for production vehicles), that is not the main cause of our concern. What troubles us is the fact that the GM has integrated two Segways into the back of the Flextreme--presumably to highlight its electric-mobility message. Now, we're no marketing mavens, but we suspect that a company trying to promote a fledgling technology would try to avoid association with a device that ended up falling--commercially and physically--flat on its face. [...]

Wrightspeed: Sports cars first, then electric pickup truck

2007-09-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Wrightspeed's X1 prototype car
(Credit: Michael Kanellos/CNET Networks)

DAVIS, Calif.--Ian Wright, founder of electric sports-car maker Wrightspeed, wants to get into pickup trucks too.
The company is looking at making an electric drivetrain for trucks that the company would then sell to established manufacturers, he said during a hallway meeting at the GoingGreen conference taking place here. The top-three selling vehicles in the United States in 2006 were the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Ram, he said. "No. 4 was the Camry."
Converting trucks from gas to electric could have a big impact on carbon monoxide emissions, he added. Trucks emit a lot of fumes and don't get great mileage.
It won't be easy. A new crop of electric cars is just coming to market, and a big issue is battery life. The high-end Tesla Roadster, coming out later this year, only goes 200 miles on a battery charge. It costs $98,000 and a big part of the cost is the battery. How far will a truck priced in the $40,000 range go with a load of lumber? Wrightspeed would face competition from clean diesel trucks too.
The company also is still in the prototyping stage. Wrightspeed has built a fast electric car, but it's a demonstration vehicle and won't resemble a final product. (It doesn't have doors, for one thing, sort of a tough feature for selling a car in the United States.) Wrightspeed is not manufacturing cars yet.
But who knows. A number of companies are tinkering with electric car ideas.

'Land Rover on steroids' ready to rip

2007-09-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

There's a silver lining in the war on terror. The need for beefy, bulletproof buggies to patrol the Afghan and Iraqi outback has translated into factory jobs on the home front for at least one NATO ally.

Described as "a Land Rover on steroids," the new MWMIK (Mobility Weapon Mounted Installation Kit) 4x4 looks more like an armored forklift chassis. But with a top speed of 80 mph and wide range of armaments, it won't be pulling pallet duty anytime soon.

The U.K. Ministry of Defence has ordered 130 of the new vehicles from Plymouth-based Devonport Management Limited (DML) to the tune of 30 million quid. Traditionally a shipbuilding outfit, DML has "been forced to expand its skills base and diversify into new markets such as the super yacht sector because of the dwindling need for surface ship work," according to The Herald newspaper of Plymouth. The new line is expected to generate 120 jobs.

Designed by Supacat, it will have a chassis by Universal Engineering, a Cummins engine and an Allison transmission; assembly will be at DML's Devonport dockyard. The vehicle, which carries a team of four, a .50-caliber machine gun or a grenade launcher, will augment--and possibly replace, eventually--the Brits' current fire support model WMIK, which resembles something that saw duty in the Falklands. (See clip below.)

DML has its eye on the prize. "Once people understand that this is what we can do and what we are ...

The Lightning: Britain's take on electric sports cars

2007-09-11T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Lightning GTS, an all-electric sports car coming from England next year, will go 0 to 60 in four seconds, the company says.

But what I like is the '60s styling and the Union Jack license plate.

The car is one of several relatively new entrants into the electric auto market. They can be roughly divided into three categories: sports car specialists (Tesla Motors, Lightning, Lightspeed) and the sedan makers (Zap, Miles Automotive, etc.) and economy cars (Riva, Think). Some will make cars for different categories. Established companies like Nissan, of course, are tinkering at this too.

Right now, Tesla and Think are the furthest along among the new companies in their production plans and are the best funded. Both are trying to release cars this year. Who knows what will happen with these other, smaller companies. If the early 20th century car industry is any indication, most of them will die, but a few may become successes. The one thing that many have going for them is that they are buying their batteries, perhaps the most difficult challenge in electric cars, from third-party suppliers.

Motorcycles from Zero Motorcycles and Vectrix are already out there. Not only are cycles cheaper to make, there's less crash testing. (The government assumes you will biff anyway, so why bog down marketing?)

Lightning will buy its batteries from Altair Nanotechnologies, which makes a lithium-titanate battery. Altair also sells batteries to Phoenix Motorcars, makers of an all-electric SUV. Phoenix recently ...

Photos: BMW Hydrogen 7

2007-09-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

BMW rolled into town last night with a fleet of Hydrogen 7 sedans for us to test drive. Having already driven hydrogen cars from Honda and GM, we were intrigued to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen Bimmer, which differs from most other hydrogen-powered cars in that it doesn't rely on a fuel cell and electric drive train. Instead, it uses a modified version of the BMW 760Li's V-12 internal combustion engine to burn hydrogen in the cylinders in the same way as gasoline. It also differs from the pack in that that the hydrogen is stored in a liquid state rather than as a gas. Check out our gallery of the experience and more details on the car here.

BMW tops carbon-conscious list

2007-09-11T01:39:00.000-07:00

Besides Toyota Motor and BMW, automakers haven't done a great job of building fleets that emit less carbon dioxide, according to an Environmental Defense report.

The organization's 80-page report, called "Automakers' Corporate Carbon Burdens" (PDF), evaluated the carbon dioxide emissions of vehicles from major automakers between 1990 and 2005. Companies graded were: Ford Motor, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Volkswagen, BMW, Subaru and Mitsubishi Motors.

"The rate of carbon dioxide emissions from new cars and light trucks in the U.S. dipped for the first time in two decades, but their overall contribution to global warming has continued to grow steadily since 1990," Environmental Defense said in a statement.

BMW achieved a 12 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions across its entire fleet of cars, more than any of the other car companies included in the study. Environmental Defense attributes the drop to the company's addition of the low carbon dioxide-emitting Mini Cooper to its lineup, as well as efficiency improvements made across its entire line of cars.

Toyota was rated the second best, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3 percent overall during that period, due in large part to its introduction of the Prius hybrid to its lineup and efficiency improvements made to the Corolla.

The report also rated the overall "carbon burden" that automakers placed on the environment, based on factors that included the emissions of their cars and the number of cars sold.

In this area, GM ...

Read more ...

Audi A4 photos show bling LEDs

2007-09-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

Audi has released photos and some spec info on its new A4, which will officially debut at the 2008 Frankfurt auto show in September.
Most notable to tech enthusiasts may be the optional xenon headlights that include 14 LED lights. These are "daytime driving lights," aka LED bling, for your car. Audi refers to them as "wings." I think they look more like eyelashes. You can see what they look liked turned on below.
As for the goodies for the driver who's into automation, the new A4 will include lane departure warning, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
The A4 also has a an electro-mechanical parking/emergency brake button in lieu of a parking brake lever. With more room in that area, Audi offers an armrest with two 12-Volt power sockets beneath it as an extra. A new radio-operated key can store car settings, lock and unlock the car, and start the ignition with a button push.

Nissan Mixim concept

2007-09-04T02:31:00.000-07:00

It's showtime again in the auto world--that time of the year when manufacturers trot out their latest fleets of new models and wacky concepts. In preparation for the forthcoming Frankfurt auto show, Nissan this week unveiled details of its Mixim electric concept car. According to Nissan, the Mixim (which is unlikely to make it to production) is aimed at young, Web-savvy, digital-age drivers with a penchant for gaming. Check out our photo gallery here.